As a fellow artist navigating the dynamic world of Hollywood, I can’t help but admire Adria Arjona‘s spirit and zest for living. Her Bix tattoo story is a testament to her fearlessness, creativity, and camaraderie on set. It’s fascinating how she manages to maintain such strong bonds with her co-stars, like the lovely Isabela Merced and Cailee Spaeny.
Blink Twice star Adria Arjona has the wind at her back.
Following her impressive portrayal of Bix Caleen in the Emmy-nominated show Andor, she continued with an outstanding performance in Richard Linklater’s film Hit Man. This role also featured one of Arjona’s most noteworthy line deliveries (which we’ll discuss further later). She is also set to appear in the upcoming movie Los Frikis, a follow-up production by Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson, who gained critical acclaim with their 2019 film, The Peanut Butter Falcon. As for Andor, season two has already been filmed, and Arjona is currently working on another eagerly awaited series titled Criminal. This series is based on the comic book series of the same name by Ed Brubaker and Jordan Harper. The Amazon Prime series is being directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, and it features Charlie Hunnam, Richard Jenkins, Arjona, Emilia Clarke, and Luke Evans as its regular cast members.
For now, Arjona will be back on the big screen this coming Friday in Zoë Kravitz’s critically acclaimed directorial debut, “Blink Twice“. In this film, she portrays Sarah, a previous participant of the reality show Survivor, who joins a circle of women who receive an invitation to the private island retreat belonging to tech entrepreneur Slater King, played by Channing Tatum. Having recently resurfaced following his public downfall, Slater’s motivations for hosting this getaway are at the heart of a psychological thriller that delves into the consequences of misinterpreting the lessons from the #MeToo movement.
At first, Sarah, played by Arjona, approaches the situation with her competitive reality show mentality. However, she quickly understands that to survive this harrowing ordeal, she needs to back her fellow female guests, such as Naomi Ackie’s character Frida. Arjona confessed that portraying a ruthless version of Sarah in the initial scenes was quite challenging for her.
According to Arjona, Zoë suggested that I needed to be more aggressive. I replied that was as assertive as I could get. She then urged me to push further, and I responded, “More!?” This was a tough task for me in developing the character, but we ended up laughing about it.
Kravtiz also didn’t strike Arjona as a first-time director given her adaptive directing style.
“Arjona stated, ‘She changed her approach and gave us a unique form of focus.’ She picked up on it swiftly: ‘Ah, Adria responds to things like this, or this seems to appeal to Adria, and this appeals to Naomi [Ackie].’ I thought that was impressively insightful and considerate of her.”
Following the overwhelming success of Andor season one, it’s no surprise that season two has been eagerly awaited as one of Lucasfilm’s most highly anticipated projects during the Disney era. Despite actress Arjona expressing doubts about creator Tony Gilroy surpassing his own achievements, she is thrilled to announce that he not only met but exceeded expectations.
“Wow, when I finished season one, I thought I was dreaming, and when I began season two, I doubted it could surpass the first. But boy, was I wrong! It’s not just good; it’s exceptional. Arjona asserts that Tony Gilroy has truly outdone himself with this season, creating something truly mind-boggling. I can hardly believe I got to be a part of it – his talent is unparalleled!”
As a Netflix subscriber who recently watched Richard Linklater’s quirky romance-thriller “Hit Man”, I can’t help but remember Salma Hayek’s powerful scene with Glen Powell’s character. When he confessed that he wasn’t the suave assassin named Ron, but just a regular guy named Gary, Hayek’s character, Madison, couldn’t contain her shock and exclaimed, “Who the hell is Gary?!” This line has become a key focus in Netflix’s promotional campaign for the film, and what makes it even more intriguing is that it was an improvised joke by Hayek during rehearsals. Powell and Linklater found it so compelling that it turned into one of the memorable moments of Hayek’s budding career.
In rehearsal, I joked with Glen by saying something about him being named Gary. He corrected me by saying his name was actually Gary, and I replied with surprise, “Who the hell is Gary?!” Glen then insisted that this line should be included in the movie. After that, Rick handed me his computer and said, “Write it!” So I wrote, “Who the fuck is Gary?!” That’s one of the biggest compliments a director has ever given me.
In a recent chat with THR, I, as a fan of Blink Twice, shared that the cast stood united for each other amidst the delicate topics portrayed in the film. Moreover, I mentioned that director Gilroy has taken on an almost mentor-like role in my life, becoming like a godfather figure to me.
Have you been getting a lot of this today? (I held up my Notes app à la Hit Man.)
No, you’re the first one!
I’m that guy? I thought I’d be the 20th that guy today.
(Laughs.) But I love it! I really appreciate it.
So you shot Blink Twice right before Hit Man?
Yeah, isn’t that crazy?
Was it a foregone conclusion for Blink Twice, with Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, an outstanding cast, and the opportunity to film at a stunning location in Mexico?
Absolutely, the script presented numerous obstacles concerning my character and its development that both fascinated and terrified me. I found myself thinking, “I’m tempted to take on this role, but I’m unsure if I have what it takes.” So, as with every film I participate in, I decided to challenge myself. If a project scares me, I usually decide to go for it.
As a gamer, when I collaborate with a director who’s also an actor, do I find the focus tends to lean more towards acting performances rather than with a regular director?
Have I ever collaborated with a director who is also an actor before Zoë? I believe so, but it’s not definite in terms of my acting experiences. However, what struck me about Zoë was her ability to adapt her directing approach and provide each of us with a unique form of guidance. She grasped our individual working styles swiftly: “Ah, Adria works best like this, or this approach seems to resonate with Adria, and this resonates with Naomi.” To me, this demonstrated both smartness and empathy on her part.
In the initial stages, the movie was titled “Pussy Island“. While shooting, was there an expectation among everyone that the title might be altered later on? Were you aware that such a provocative title could potentially need adjustment?
Initially, I had confidence that we would manage to pull off using the title [“Pussy Island”], as it was written in the script and we had always referred to it by this name. In fact, I even signed a contract with this title. However, during reshoots, there were whispers about potentially changing the movie’s name, which left me baffled. But upon watching “Blink Twice,” the alternate title makes perfect sense and is actually quite fitting for the film. It’s an excellent choice.
Sarah, your character, was previously a contestant on reality shows, making her quite competitive at first. Given that our field is also quite competitive, have you found yourself learning a similar lesson to what Sarah eventually discovers – the importance of being more supportive and less focused on competition?
It seems I might be learning from the opposite side of things here, with a chuckle. You see, I believe I need to spend a bit more time focusing on myself, not delving too deeply. I’m great at supporting my family and friends, but occasionally, I lose my way. In those moments, I find myself exclaiming things like, “Oh, I haven’t eaten,” or, “I haven’t studied,” or, “I haven’t done this.” So, it seems I need to take a step back and consider myself more.
You once told me your True Detective story where you pretended to be your own manager during the casting of season two. So I assumed you were super competitive if you were willing to go to those lengths to get a job on True Detective.
I don’t compare myself with others in the acting world, but instead, I strive to outdo my own performances. I don’t vie for roles against other actors. The outcome of whether I get a job or not is beyond my control. Regarding the role in True Detective, I reached out through my representative to secure an audition. My aim was simply to have the opportunity to showcase myself, hoping that they might consider me for the part. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the cut and wasn’t on their shortlist. So, I sent in a video audition and waited anxiously until I heard back.
As a gamer, I found myself mirroring a practiced smile at one point during our gathering, and my eyes seemed to carry the weight of unspoken words. It was surprisingly relatable, knowing that we’ve all had moments where we’ve needed to navigate such situations in real life. Did everyone exchange tales from their experiences? I couldn’t help but wonder if the male counterparts were taking it all in too.
Absolutely, our communication was transparent throughout the process. Both women and men had to confront intense and uncomfortable situations, but it wasn’t exclusive to one gender. The guys faced their fears just as much as we did. It was a scary journey for everyone involved. Therefore, ensuring mutual safety was crucial for Simon [Rex] and myself. We didn’t delve too deeply into personal stories, but shared general experiences that could be felt through our expressions. This openness is something we practice daily.
Have I resided in tourist hotspots and popular holiday locales, only for their charm to fade into familiarity? When filming the inauguration of an island resort getaway in the first phase, does the job remain as laborious?
In the film where I found myself among truly remarkable individuals, there was a sense of uncertainty – “Are we actually working, or are we simply enjoying ourselves?” The experience became somewhat bewildering yet delightfully so, until the storyline progressed and things became considerably more demanding due to the intense emotions portrayed. With numerous events unfolding and me having to convey high, drunk, puzzled, and terrified feelings, all while maintaining an appearance of calm, it was quite taxing. Yet, I couldn’t have asked for a better companion than Naomi during these scenes. We supported each other through every shared scene, navigating the complexities together.
Regarding the character “Hit Man,” let me tell you, the line “Who the hell is Gary!?” could easily be contending for the funniest quote of the year. The delivery was spot-on. I’m curious, how many different takes did you perform on that particular day?
(Laughs.) I just did that one.
One take!?
As a gamer diving into the world of filmmaking for the indie movie “Hit Man,” we huddled together with Glen [Powell] and Rick [Linklater] for three solid weeks, perfecting our lines and scripting much of Madison’s character arc. Since the budget was tight, rehearsals became our daily routine. When it came time to film, we worked efficiently and managed to capture that Notes app scene in just a couple of hours, surprising many who thought it took an entire day of shooting. In reality, we filmed four more scenes that same day. With limited resources, we didn’t have the luxury to shoot multiple takes; instead, I might’ve attempted that specific scene only once or twice before settling on the take we ended up using.
I’m even more impressed now.
During our rehearsal, I made a joking remark to Glen, impersonating him as “Gary.” He corrected me by saying, “My name isn’t Gary, it’s Gary!” And I responded with surprise, asking, “Who the hell is Gary?!” To my surprise, he insisted that this line should be included in the film. Rick then handed me his computer and instructed me to write it down, so I typed, “Who the hell is Gary?!” (Laughs.) Essentially, what I wrote was a joke from our rehearsal.
You wrote dialogue for Richard Linklater …
I must say, participating in that project was truly the most extraordinary experience of my entire career as a filmmaker. The director, with his unparalleled elegance and beauty, bestowed upon me the highest honor any artist could dream of receiving. Rick, who didn’t have to do so, even acknowledged my contribution in interviews, which still leaves me in awe. To work alongside him was nothing short of a dream come true, and I can’t help but wish that our collaboration could stretch on for an eternity.
I’m usually quite busy and don’t get much spare time, but when I do manage to find some, I might simply relax and contemplate on how wonderful the show ‘Andor’ is.
(Laughs.) I’ve got to keep you around. You’re really boosting my ego. I like this.
That’s the job! So how does Andor season two stack up against season one?
Upon delving into season one, I found myself doubting that it could be surpassed. As I embarked on season two, my skepticism grew. Yet, as I dived into episode one, I was proven wrong. It’s not just good – it’s exceptional. The brilliance of what Tony Gilroy has crafted is astounding, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it. I even have direct access to him, a luxury that few share. Our conversations are casual, yet filled with mutual respect. I often reach out to him, seeking advice or simply to chat, and he greets me with a familiar laugh. His talent is undeniable, and he truly excelled in season two.
Having had the opportunity to interview him numerous times during the first season, it’s natural to feel inclined to reach out to him again. He’s consistently captivating and engaging.
He’s a really good chat, and he’s so funny. And the way he talks to me — no one believes in me more than Tony Gilroy. He sees things that I don’t see. He sees my value as an actor. I’m like, “I don’t know if I can.” And he’s like, “What are you talking about? Yes, you can.” And I’m like, “Okay. Yes, I can.” He just believes in me so much, and he’s really turned into my godfather in this industry.
Did you ever get the Bix or Star Wars-related tattoo you were considering?
Arjona recently had a small ‘X’ tattoo done, symbolizing Bix, and this is the first person she’s shared it with regarding its professional implications. She shows it off on her arm. To clarify, Disney can no longer terminate her employment because the deed has already been done, and it’s now in the archives. She got it made during filming, and her makeup artist performed a stick-and-poke tattoo during a lunch break.
Did anybody follow your lead and get their own tattoo?
I believe everyone was quite fearful. They were questioning, “Is a stick-and-poke during lunch hours acceptable? Might we face termination?” To which I responded, “It’s already past that point!”
In an effort to avoid repeating questions that you and your colleagues often get, I like to explore new topics. For instance, one time I inquired about the television that was given to Isabela Merced a few years back.
(Laughs.)
She then spent a good amount of time explaining how generous you are.
Aww!
By the way, she’s been collaborating with Cailee Spaeny, a friend of yours from Pacific Rim Uprising. Did you attempt to arrange an introduction between them prior to that?
I can’t manage to spend time with Isabela because she’s always busy working and traveling. She often says things like, “I’m here now,” or “I’m in Italy.” I find myself asking, “Where are you?” as she seldom stays in town. Recently, I received a random photo of them together, and the message read, “We talked about you for hours. We love you.” Seeing my two girls in that picture, I exclaimed, “Oh my God, those are my babies!” I adore these girls dearly. I often check up on Isabela like a big sister, but I reassured her, “You don’t need me to keep tabs on you during Alien: Romulus. You’re with Cailee, and you’ll be fantastic.” They are both incredibly talented young ladies.
It seems you’re working on a new high-profile production called “Criminal” by Ed Brubaker and Jordan Harper at the moment, correct?
Yeah, I’m almost done with it. It’s great.
Are you working with Michael Mando?
Absolutely, I’m smitten with Michael, and Charlie Hunnam is simply outstanding. He’s got a heart of gold, and he makes an excellent main character for this series. He’s incredibly generous, and we’re really enjoying working together. Our directors, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, are fantastic, and I can’t wait to see them all again soon. I return to set on Sunday [8/11], and I find myself longing for Anna, Ryan, Charlie, and Michael already.
***
Blink Twice opens in movie theaters on August 23.
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2024-08-16 22:56